GOTHAM GOSSIP |
|
|
Written by: P: 212-332-9991 718-885-6576 A chatty, informative column of New York events featuring places, people and personalities and celebrities. demetriadaniels@gmail.com
Archives
|
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
HAPPY HOLIDAYS I went to a fabulous Birthday for Lucia Kaiser at the Harlem Grill where ALICIA KEYES has already performed Thing is it is so private it is not even listed yet. Adam West is the new owner and keeping it under wraps till the end of January. I ran into an old friend Marilyn Kaye , her husband Lewis and her beautiful daughter Ashley. We all hear a letter from PRINCE AGHA KHAN read birthday wishes to Lucia. It was great and Santa was good. Friday, December 10, 2004
The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Rockerfeller Center was even better this year than last. I set out with determination to watch it and attend a party. Arriving late I was in the crush of one million people who had the same idea. Reaching a secret check point I walked up to the desk and said "the President of NBC invited me" . She said - stand over there. So I waited as a group was entering so I entered too and wound my way up with them to the 17th floor of the Ford Motor division. There was a cocktail party and lots of shrimp and we all watched as JESSICA SIMPSON and TONY BENNET sang for the ice skaters below. The rink was lit up with patterned snowflakes and 100,000 people surrounded the ice skating rink where Miss USA was being presented. I thanked Mr. Simmons, the host for the very private affair and made my way down to the rink where a party was going on. Joining the festivities for drinks and dinner, I located Mr. Comerford and thanked him for the wonderful party . He told me he had a surprise waiting - and sure enough a Swarvoski crystal star was waiting at the door. What a way to begin the Christmas holidays. Be sure to catch ALEXANDER THE GREAT (not the movie) but the art show at the ONASIS CENTER, in Olympic Towers at East 51 Street, off 5th Avenue . Authentic drinking vessels from Phillip's tomb, a golden adornments of a Queen and swords and lances and authentic bronze leg shields from the father of Alexander. Also be sure to buy the book ALEXANDER THE GREAT by Dr. Simoni A. Zafiropoulou, cultural advisor to the PRESIDENT OF GREECE, MR STEPHANOPOULOS. Wednesday, November 17, 2004
BILLY JOEL, SANDRA BERNHARD, WYNTON MARSALIS are just a few of the Advisory Board for TOC - an organization run by RONEN SEGEV, the brilliant classical pianist. They organize classic concerts in unusual settings - clubs, lobbies, outdoors, restaurants - to give everyone a chance to hear great music for less cost. At their fundraiser this week, BOBBY MCFERRIN and his family entertained. He wrote the song BE HAPPY, DON'T WORRY. ANN HECHE wasn't feeling so well at the recent press conference of BIRTH, STARRING NICOLE KIDMAN. I hope she is feeling better this week. Should be a good movie. If you are interested in art go to the SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS for a silent auction for their scholarship fund on Friday December 3, 5-8 pm There will be alot of interesting items. Their address is 128 East63 Street. Tuesday, October 12, 2004
I was sipping some Shiraz at Morrell's wine bar at Rockerfeller Center and in walked GLORIA STEINEM (founder of Ms. Magazine and Mother of us all). Her right hand was in a sling. I went over to her to say hello, but didn't ask her for the details of her arm. We wish her arm a speedy recovery and hope she will be out of the sling and swinging soon. HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY . I went to the parade - love parades - so much music and baton twirling --- perfect gorgeous day - blue sky, cool breeze and lots of tarantella. MARIO ANDRETTI, race - car champion was the grand marshall and was on the red carpet shaking hands and taking picutres. Then we all went over to the Christopher Columbus clubhouse where we sipped wine and chatted about Columbus of course. Lining the street were some fabulous Lamborghinis - I especially liked the chartreuse one with blue interior. Sorry about CHRISTOPHER REEVE, our Superman. I had met him when he was active with the Creative Coalition. His imput was trememdous. He contributed after his fall and was a hero for many of the disabled. His wife DANA, a talented actress and singer was surely his strength. We will miss him. Sympathy to Dana and his children. Tuesday, September 28, 2004
ROBERT DE NIRO goes there, UMA THURMAN goes there, TIM ROBBINS goes there and RAY CHARLES played the piano in room 4, and so did I . I am talking about EMERSON PLACE a five-star (*****) hotel and spa and institute near Mount Temper , in the Woodstock area. It is surrounded by natural beauty and mountains near the Esophus river. The rooms are designer filled with Hermes soaps and Ferre bath towels. Roses greet you when you enter the door and a jacuzi is for your private use. They have just started a lecture series beginning with ancient Egypt. The writer Robert Bauval, author of The Orion Mystery, The Talisma and Egypt Decoded along with JOHN ANTHONY WEST, author of Serpent in the Sky, were the featured speakers. Mr. West lives in the immediate area and takes tour groups to Egypt (the best). The comfortable rooms are rich with canary yellow walls and deep puffy couches. Platers of fruit are everywhere to be found. Lunch is served on the patio, dinner in private wine storage rooms. They boast 5,000 varieties at least. And when you are ready, a mud wrap or steam treatments await you in the very private hut and spa, where aromatic aromas fill the air. The second lecture is about Maps. Also, they are starting a cinema , movie and dinner theater soon to open. Its a treat, its a joy, run there like I did. Friday, September 17, 2004
I went to the Irish Fair in Coney Island last weekend. I brought my dog, RUFFY, with me and as we listened to the marvellous Irish bands we met MAYOR BLOOMBERG who was with his friend Diane who looks very beautiful in person. He said he was hungry, so I got him a frankfurter, and sure enough, he ate it. Then his photographer took a photo of the Mayor, Ruffy and me. I already have two other photos of me and the mayor, but this is a real treat with Ruffy. I was at the 100th birthday party for the ANSONIA residence on West 73 Street who has had LEONARD BERNSTEIN as a tenant, and where BETTE MIDLER sang in its continental baths. The afternoon was filled with entertainment champagne and birthday cake. Among the wonderful singers was Suk Soon Kim, who with her husband, Ned Macomb, represented the USA in Egypt as part of the State Department. They had met a friend of MRS ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, who invited them to lunch with her in New York. And with one phone call, Mrs. Roosevelt picked up the phone and got them an appointment in Washington and off they went. Suk will be singing in Paris this Spring. Monday, August 16, 2004
MICKEY ROONEY and his wife Jan dropped in at the book party for THE GOLDEN FLAME, written by Gabriel Murray and published by Ailesbury Publications, Ltd. The couple were on their way to do their nightly show at the Irish Repertory Theater. It is a song and dance routine about their lives. Their son Chris says the entertainment keeps his Father young and alive and very energized "Dad just loves to entertain", he told me. The party was all Irish since the publisher lives in Ireland - champagne and Irish salmon treats. The book will be out to the public soon - it is filled with photos and vignettes about the history of the Olympics - be sure to get a copy. And don't miss the show. Another preview I saw was the musical - A TALE OF TWO CITIES. It is produced by Russell/Sharpe Productions; the associate producer is David M. Bryand and the writer is Jill Santoriello, the composer is Edward B. Kessel. It was a staged reading with full orchestra and the voices were absolutely magnificent. There was a standing ovation for the cast - something I have only seen once before for Carol Channing in HELLO DOLLY. So - angels - if you are looking for something to invest in, this is it. It is going to be a smash hit on Broadway when it gts there after previews etc. Be sure to see it early. The Premiere of "The Village", was right in my backyard. Yes in Prospect Park where I walk twice a day. The movie was written by M. Night Shyamalan, who also wrote "Signs"(about the crop circles - there's 30,000 of them). Michael Eisner, head of Disney was there with a large entourage. I didn't get to meet his son, Eric, maybe next time. But I was introduced to Joachim Phoenix, who plays the protagonist, opposite the daughter of Ron Howard who is worth seeing. He left before the end of the event and hoped into a van on the way to he airport. So, the big question - is it scarry? OK - one part I was scarred. Right after someone in the movie says "don't scream". On the way from the dinner to the movie, the dark, forested path was lined with hooded beings with lanterns (looking like monks)- giving an eerie feeling even before the film started. SIGOURNEY WEAVER attended, as well as ELIZABETH HURLEY, who looked ravishing as a...blonde. I remember meeting her as a brunette with HUGH GRANT at the Tina Brown party on Liberty Island. I have tons of suggestions to improve the movie, however, the writer has a knack for the surreal and I would run to see anything else he writes in the future. I can't wait. P.S. What does the M stand for? Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts celebrated A TASTE OF SUMMER. SUSAN SARANDON and MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOVwere the celebrities on the Benefit Committee and in performance. It was a most spectacular evening. The rain had stopped. Hundreds had drinks at Avery Fisher Hall, and danced on the plaza and went to see their choice of either Elvis Costello, the Royal Ballet, or THE FROGS with Nathan Lane or Mr. Baryshinkov in "Forbidden Christmas or The Doctor and The Patient. Then, after the performances, there were 50 restaurants giving samplings on the terrace with a wonderful band and a silent auction. Sponsoring this event was the ALTRIA GROUP (formerly called Phillip Morris), American Express, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Diageo, Kekst & Co, Mastercard, Mitsui, Peter J. Solomon, and Price Waterhouse. I saw the Royal Ballet - what a treat. Under the title ASHTON CELEBRATION, it is sponsored by HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH, PRESIDED BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES The dancers floated through the air with lightness and grace. Vignettes from different scores were presented. It was relaxing to watch the repertoire filled with jettes, and remarkable duets. The SLEEPING BEAUTY - Awakening Pas De Deux, music by PI Tchaikovsky , choreographed by Frederick Ashton featured an incredible Darcey Bussell and Roberto Bolle. Ondine Pas De Deus, and Thais Pas De Deux also were brilliant. Franz List's Marguerite and Armand, designed by CECIL BEATON closed the performance. I then proceeded to the terrace to indulge in 3 different caviars, yellow, black, red, and shrimp hot and cold and specialties from AIX,PARAMOUNT CAVIAR, BLUE HILL, FLEUR DE SEL, INSIDE,NOCHE, and the famous SERENDIPITY. Also there were the famous, Cafe des Artistes, Cafe Luxembourg, Daniel, and BARBETTA, to name a few. Gift bags for everyone - what a night. , Saturday, June 05, 2004
The 35th anniversary gala for Hale House was held at the Chelsea Piers and while a thunderstorm brewed and grey waters splashed, awards were presented to a few who have contributed in some way to THE HALE HOUSE. MOTHER HALE, bought a brownstone on W 122 Street to help children that had been sick with Aids or abandoned. She dedicated her life to help these babies and in doing so made it the only and first institution of its kind in the nation to house and care for infants born to mothers who were addicted to drugs. Today Hale House also cares for children whose Mothers are in prison. RUDOLPH W. GUILIANI reads to the children of Hale House "A Visit from St. Nicholas" at Christmas time and has distributed toys. He has been a supporter and has helped raised awareness of its efforts. STAR JONESwell known from the television show, THE VIEW, has launched her own non-profit charity - "The Starlet Fund" which makes financial grants to individuals, organizations that are dedicated to the support and encouragement of women and girls. M.L CARR, from the Boston Celtics, and wrote "Winning Through Persistance" received an award along with Dominic>Freud, who serves as chairman of the development committee for Hale House. MELBA MOORE sang - when I told her I was at the opening of HAIR, written by Galt MCDERMOT, she was surprised. Friday, June 04, 2004
FARM SANCTUARY GALA is one of the most important events I have attended.  MARY TYLER MOORE, Gala Chair showed a documentary on how the farm animals are treated. The chickens have their beaks cut off- don't you think that hurts? They stand in a space 12" wide, can move, turn around, never see the sun, can't socialize and the same for the cows. Some are so sick they can't event make it to the slaughter house. Except for one - LIBERTY jumped over the fence and was saved by a woman who took him home. I cried all evening. But, I wasn't the only one.   LINDA BLAIR was there; PETER MAX was there with his wife, MARY MAX, who was an award recipient. All I want tot know is what can I do to help. What can you do too? 607-583-2225, ext. 241. Farm Sanctuary is a national, non- profit organization combating factory farming cruelty through research and investigative campaigns, hands-on rescue and shelter, legal and legislative actions, and public awareness projects.Their shelters in NY and California are home to hundreds of animals rescued from abuse cases. Friday, May 21, 2004
MONACO takes NEW YORK - The French are here - and what a whopping start - a reception at LE CIRQUE, the grand dame of restaurants in New York. Ambassadors and Consuls together came to celebrate the French arrival. Francisco J. Olavarria, Consul of MEXICO was one of the first to arrive to wish the French well. Farouk Abou Lenna, Consulfrom EGYPT said he was looking forward to all the activities. Bradford E.Billet, Deputy Commissioner, Commission for the United Nations, was there to greet the guests on behalf of MAYOR BLOOMBERG. Outside on the patio, BMW was showing its cars - the ones that race in the Monaco Grand Prix race. Cierge which offers private shopping for Sony products was also attending. On Monday, May 24 there is a lecture Monaco's Royalty Meets Russia's Royalty; A party on Randall's Island will include Cirque du Soleil's ALEGRIA; midtown restaurants will be having lunch menus and WQXR-FM will be playint the Monte Carlo Philharmonic. - Viva La France Wednesday, May 19, 2004
ASTRONAUT GENE CERNAN, the last astronaut to walk on the moon was at the American Museum of Natural History to tell children - "you can become anyone you want to be and go into space". He looked wonderful with white hair and standing in front of the photo taken on the moon, he talked about his time in space. He answered questions from the children and then he and Neil deGrasse Tyson,the Director of the Rose Space Center, rode in the Mars rover. He believes in extraterestials _ "God made us humans, and he probably made them too". Part of the SPACEFEST, at the Museum, presents lectures, demonstrations of the rover, the movie, The Search for Life: Are We Alone?, narrated by HARRISON FORD and daily images of Mars.There are lots of activities for this weekend May 22, 23, so rush right over and bring the kids. Tuesday, May 18, 2004
The ELLIS ISLAND AWARDS presented by the NATIONAL ETHNIC COALITION of ORGANIZATIONS (NECO)was hosted by WILLIAM DENNIS FUGAZY and JOHN CATSIMATEDES on the island. These awards go for leadership and contributions, and have been received by BOB HOPE, ERNEST BORGNINE as well as FRANK SINATRA. Mr. Borgine spoke with great emotion and was accompanied by his beautiful wife. The army band played,the SOS entertained as 133 men and women received their awards. Among them were Warner Wolf, Sal Marchiano, Leroy Neiman. MARC SIMONE MC'ed. Past recipients include six presidents of the United States, members of Congress, Nobel Prize winners. For the first time an "International" medal was given to a non- US citizen, Michael J. Smurfit. Later there was a lavish dinner and everyone had attended a pre-dinner reception at the Battery Park Restaurant. We took little boats over and came back in the thunder and lightening watching the Statue of Liberty all the way. My parents names are on the wall . They represent Greece. Saturday, May 08, 2004
At "MUSIC and the MOVIES",MARTIN SCORSESE didn't need his interviewer from Vanity Fair - who had two mikes and still could not be heard, and probably doesn't know what the flip side of "In the Still of the Night" is He was so full of energy, and humor, and enthusiasm he gave a continuous monologue about the music in his movies. Reminiscing about his childhood on the lower East Side - he talked about the street music which included sounds of TONY BENNETT, (two seats away from me) and classical music and opera."Music is counterpoint to my life", he said as he talked about the 50's and his films- Mean Streets, and Taxi Driver. He talked about showing films on the rooftop with Elvis Presley and Fats Domino in the background. He recalled Man With the Golden Arm, On the Waterfront and owning lots of '78's. (some of the audience wouldn't know what that meant- but I have lots of them). "Music became my passion", he continued. He spent time at the Brooklyn Fox where he saw Cuck Berry,Buddy Holiday. Dimitri Tiomkin ,the great Max Steiner and the music of Bernhard Herman were all in his mind as he added to the sound tracks of his movies. Buying the rites to some of his favorite scores for CAPE FEAR starring ROBERT DE NIROOne of his family gave him "Favorite Intrmezzos" which he used in "Raging Bull" with the titles, and then used silence in the fighting sequence. And in The Last Temptation of Christ", something happen electrically by mistake and he left the result in the movie just as Christ dies. He even included Moroccan rock'n roll in that film which he heard while filming in Morocco. He said "I became obsessed with music". He is doing a current movie with Leonardo Di Caprio called THE AVIATOR about the live of Howard Hughes. ---- Mr. Scorsese, will you be using "Fly Me to the Moon" , "Earth Angel", "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes", "Come and Go With Me", "Angel Eyes"? - I could let you borrow my 45's. Friday, May 07, 2004
At the TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL, another winner-A TOUCH OF SPICEa Greek film directed and written by TASSOS BOULMETIS, is a beautifully made film about the expulsion of a Greek family from Turkey to Greece in 1967. It mixes politics and religion and is set in a spice shop in Constantinople with beautiful scenery, and mood music. It is comedic to see Fanis, the young boy devleop a love for cooking - who spends much time in the kitchen - something that is not common with Greeks. His friendship with a young girl is "I'll cook, you dance". Somehow in Greece, he also winds up in a kitchen for a bordello - which adds alot of humor. He however studies astrophysics and returns to Turkey for his dying grandpa , and his childhood love. A beautiful scene when his father lays out different spices and accords them with the planets. There is alot of talk about cinnamon, and cumin, pepper, oregano and salt. This movie is a culinary delight and a taster's choice **** - 4 stars  Thursday, May 06, 2004
Amidst the sea of burkas and dust, a magnificent movie has been made called : THE BEAUTY ACADEMY OF KABUL, directed by Liz Mermin, and produced by Nigel Noble and the BBC and DISCOVERY. Three women from the United States set up a beauty school called "Beauty Without Borders" in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2003. This project was funded by VOGUE and CLAIROL. It is a school for local women to learn the latest cutting, coloring, perming techniques; in the three-month course, they can go out and develop their own beauty parlors - many in just one-room . They wait patiently for the "heads" to arrive - those are the manequin heads with hair that the ladies can practice their techniques. Interspersed in the teachings are interviews with many of the women - one who said she saw hands and feet cut off and burka-claden women set afire by the Taliban. The horrors of the war are forgotten by the women's smiles and joy. We visit the Nazira Salon where the owner makes $6 per day and the Fazula Salon and the Hanifa salon. With their children at their side, these ladies are now "working women" with income and self-respect. The philosophy behind this picture is that Afghanistan must change - the women can heal - and that peace can happen. It is a brilliant movie of hope and survival - **** - four stars. Wednesday, May 05, 2004
The TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL is off to a great start. It is being sponsored by AMERICAN EXPRESS and several other companies. DESMOND TUTU joined ROBERT DE NIRO and JANE ROSENTHAL for the starting festivities. That evening, AMERICAN EXPRESS hosted a magnificent affair at the Winter Garden with dancers from South Africa and a wonderful view of the Hudson River by sunset. One of the films I've seen is TONY N TINA'S WEDDING, which is a takeoff of the off-Broadway production. It is a combination of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING with THE SOPRANOS - the music by Tony Travis, is outstanding as is the graphic design of the wedding cake by Jane Gussein (it is so great they should make it into the poster for the show).. GOLDIE HAWN appeared with her daughter KATE HUDSON at RAISING HELEN....like Mother like daughter. COMMERCE BANK at 25 Hudson Street hosted a reception with magnificent hor's d'oeuvres- I even won the door prize - a magnificent digital camera. Monday, April 26, 2004
At the Pierre, SIR DAVID FROST and HOWARD STRINGER, PRESIDENT OF sONY, were honored by the St. Georges Society which helps English immigrants. The jokes were non-stop, each one funnier than the other. I had met both of these gentlemen at a dinner honoring BARBARA WALTERS a couple of years ago, given by the Film Institue. The English were having a blast since the QUEEN MARY 2 was in the harbor. What a boat by Cunard- with a astonomy-theater to watch the skies, a Veuve Cliqot champagne bar, several swimming pools, duplex rooms, some costing $3,ooo for 6 six days Well, they serve lobster every day - but do they seve baked alaska??? - When we were children we sailed on the Olympia - to Greece, I remember the dessert from then. There are several cats for adoption : PUFF, a salmon colored male; Pfreckles a siamese mix, Julie, and Anna Bisou, a Russian Blue- call Place for Cats at 212-751-2093 and speak to Mia... Wednesday, April 21, 2004
I had BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S I had BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S YES! It was magnificent - I guess that means I have made it as a New Yorker. I felt like Holly Go Likely - AUDREY HEPBURNin the movie written by TRUMAN CAPOTE Surrounded by square-cut diamonds, pear shape diamonds, and diamond diamonds - being served champagne and orange juice with platters of crusted scrambled eggs, rolled spinach canapes and lots of muffins and coffee. It was maganificent at 8 am in the morning ( right next door to "THE DONALD" (DONALD TRUMP) The party was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of New York Women in Communications - Tiffany's created the "matrix" award for their honorees at a gala luncheon. Then there were little buses taking us to the W Hotel where an entire conference took place. Joannie C, Danielides, President of NYWICI presented Lynn Sherr interviewing Dana Delany who has acted with DIANE KEATON, Ann Moore, Chairman & CEO of Time, Inc.,PamelaThomas-Graham, President & CEO. CNBC.com,NBC, Inc, Beth Comstock, VP -GE, discussing power. Also, DONNA HANOVERdid a remarkable interview with SUSAN STROMAN, Director and choreographer of many Broadway productions and upcoming film THE PRODUCERS and musical THE FROGS (Aristophanes). What a day that was - I started out at 5 am. And at night I saw ERMIONE by Rossini at the NY City Opera which was superb!!!!!! Go see, MY DATE WITH DREW a new movie directed by Jon Gunn, Brett Winn, and Brian Herzlinger, who wants a date with DREW BARRYMORE The guy is great! And wait till you see the ending! Friday, April 09, 2004
HAPPY EASTER HAPPY PASSOVERDo we really need both the CIA and FBI.????? especially if they dont talk to each other??????? Greek Easter and Christian Easter fall together this year - i'm dying lots of red eggs. CHRISTIES had an amazing event - a reading from Shakespeare's Hamlet by Roger Rees from the Royal Shakespeare Commpany ( he used to paint scenery before he became an actor). The reason for the even t is an auction for important English Drama from, the Estate of Mary, Viscountess Eccles. Hamlet from 1611 will be auctioned off. Louis Isacson , President of the Actors Circle introduced the evening. I learned an interesting quote - "Domire, sonare, et fare niete" - sleep, deam and do nothing. VANESSA REDGRAVE will be coming to the U>S> to perform in HECUBA; she has performed with SIR LAURENCE OLIVIER At the lovely reception I met an owner of a Renaissance manuscript - it was a very select crowd - I am glad I was invited. Thursday, April 01, 2004
ZEETO ELLAS, ZEETO ELEFTERIA. That is the motto for the last week in New York. It means long live Greece, long live freedom and everyone from Mayor Bloomberg upwards and downwards was saying it. The Mayor hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion for the Greek Parade. He was very funny - first he said that the preceeding week for Saint Paddy's Day, he had introduced himself as Mayor O'Bloomberg and for the Greek tribute, he calls himself Michalis Bloombergolopoulos. It had music, hors d'oeuvres, Greek beauties and a tour of the mansion. Built in 1810, Mr. Gracie, a large ship owner lived there with his family. The wall paper had different scenes, some floral; the furniture was lovely (mirrors were expensive then) and the art abounded - Louise Bourgeoise, Picasso, - paintings and prints everywhere. I marched in the parade just in back of the Olympic atheletes. One lady was born in 1948 - a gymnast in great shape and my favorite iceskater - Judy Bloomberg (any relation?) was there as well as the athletes from the soccer team that will compete this summer. There was also a rececption by Controller Walter Thompson at City Hall honoring various successful Greeks from New York including Peter Gianopoulos. And the new Greek Counsul, Catherine Bouras held a reception too. It's been a jolly time - ZEETO HELLAS. Friday, March 12, 2004
I watched the Oscars at Producer Itsti Atkins home. He made movies a while back with stars like DANNY THOMAS, SID CEASAR and MILTON BERLE. He also made a movie with HARRISON FORD called Clear and Present Danger. We congratulate all the winners of course. Itsti is doing some fun things in his past-time and now retired from movies, he is creating handbags. He has a spcially interesting one called the Martha Stewart "ball and chain" bag and hopes to sell them. He custom makes them. So call me and I'll give you a number - he'll give you a private viewing. (212-332-9991) Wednesday, February 18, 2004
At BAM, Michael Cunningham read from his novel and the Brooklyn Philharmonic played excerpts alternating WORDS AND MUSIC. He wrote THE HOURS, which was made into the film starring NICOLE KIDMAN and MERRYL STREEP. And the accompanying music of PHILLIP GLASS was brilliant. Afterwards, the maestro on loan from the Ireland Orchestra, Mr Eddins, joined Mr. Cunningham, and soprano Maureen O'Flynn for questions and answers. Asked who his mentor was, Mr. Cunningham responded "Jimmy Hendrix". That made everyone laugh for sure. They also used a celesta instrument - which everyone heard and nobody saw. It was a wonderful event , I hope they do more words and music at BAM, I'll run to see and hear it. Goodbye LUTECE, La COTE BASQUE, GAGE and TOLLNER. I remember having lunch at La Cote Basque with my college roommate, Mary S. who had to change out of her pants suit to eat - we manufactured a skirt in the ladies room - of course that was many years ago. Wednesday, February 11, 2004
There is a new book out called PROMISES TO KEEP by Sharon Robinson. That is the daughter of Jackie Robinson - yes the famous BROOKLYN DODGER. Being born in Brooklyn, I was excited to meet her and her Mother, Mrs. Robinson at the New York Historical Society reception. The book is published by the Scholastic Press and has great photos of the baseball player and his teammates you know - Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snyder and Roy Campanella etc. We used to go to Ebbets Field when the bleachers were sixty cents a seat and when the Dodgers left Brooklyn, everyone cried. I had been right across the street to see PETRA, Lost City of Stone, at the Museum of Natural History.. It is on till July. It is amazing that an entire city was carved from the mountain range and they had running water - a technical masterpiece - the Nabataeans were the residents and they had a language much like Aramaic. It was the caravan center where spices and incense came on camels to be traded from Arabia to parts West. They had Gods too and the sculptures at the Museum show both female and male Gods carved from limestone. What is most impressive is the panorama - 180 degrees of photos which takes you right there. Of course the water colors of Edwin Church and Michael Graves are marvelous to look at too. Now that zero nights have disappeared, it is easier to go out at night. One special evening was when GOTHAMGOSSIP went to GOTHAM HALL to celebrate GOTHAM MAGAZINE'S THIRD ANNIVERSARY PARTY. It was a return from the 80's nightlife scene with R.Couri Hays, Jeff Slonim, Colette, Aristedes Duval, and Jane Gusein there. Jane had been to a tribute to JANE FON DA and I will run that photo soon. The risotto was great and the hall is a cross between Hagia Sophia, and the Coliseum. Congratulations Gotham Magazine. HAPPY VALENTINES. If you are single try a new twist with cosmoparty.com. I went to one recently where the girls can drink free and shop at the same time till the men get there. Handbags, silk scarves, more pocketbooks were on sale. Saturday, January 31, 2004
Monday, January 26, 2004
I rescued a cat from the freezing zero degree night. It is black with white paws and white neck. I call it "blackie". It will take "ruffy" (my white poodle) some time to get use to it - he keeps barking and lunging at the cat. I put up notices in Park Slope and hope its family will retrieve it. I was at the Humane Society fundraiser and they have some lovely animals for adoption. Jamie de Roy & Friends released a new CD with songs just about animals. So run out and buy it . I think I'll donate some time to the Humane Society. They are a wonderful organization. There is a new web site for theater called "theaterextras.com The membership fee is low and you can get free tickets to lots of cultural events around Gotham And while you are out and about in Gotham, be sure to catch the art show at the Onasis Cultural Center - at 51 St . off of Fifth Avenue. The show is called "Children in Antiquity" It is a delightful show - my favorite is the pig rattle.It also picks up on the theme of youths training for the Olympics Don't forget - they are in June 2004. I am going to try to make it to Greece to see them and all my relatives too - it'll be a great party. Sunday, January 04, 2004
HAPPY NEW YEAR Working at Radio City Music Hall has been a great experience. I have met people from all over the world, fed the camels carrots in the show and spoke with the wonderful people that put on the "Christmas Spectacular" I have spent more time at RC than any other place these last 2 months. But I did manage to go to enough parties to keep me busy the rest of the time. Meeting Harry Sperone was a highlight. He wrote "The Drummer Boy" and scored films for Hollywood. It was a small party where he played the piano for us - all great songs and themes he has written - the notes flowed like a fast brook. He was brilliant and we all drank champagne to the wonderful music. In fact there was champagne left so I threw another party for my firends and made a vegetable lasagne. New Year's Eve I went to four parties and - a Peruvian specialty with a friend - an upper East Side one - an arty downtown one and a live band at Lafayette Grill - (that was my favorite) and I have been busy since the first with good wishes to all. Any resolutions? Have more fun. |
